Applications will be considered from Brown University regular faculty or postdoctoral associates from any field to support research on contemporary South Asia or accelerated language training that is relevant to the region. Proposals will be evaluated based on the quality of the proposed research or training and the potential for the activity to lead to a long-term successful program of research on the region. Special consideration will be given to applications from junior faculty, especially those for whom South Asia is a new area of research.

Call for Applications: Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia Graduate Prize Teaching Fellowship
Introduction to South Asia | Spring 2025

Description: The Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia invites applications from advanced doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences at Brown University to teach an introductory-level undergraduate seminar on the study of South Asia. The course will emphasize South Asian themes.

All proposed courses should address themes of shared interest across South Asia and build on the rich interdisciplinary literature of the region. Applicants are encouraged to identify their own approach to course design and content, although sample syllabi are provided. South Asia faculty at Brown will be available to mentor the teaching fellow on final course content. The course will be taught in the department of the selected fellow and may be cross-listed with Watson. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Graduate funding can be used primarily for three purposes: research, internships, and language training. Proposals for either exploratory or advanced dissertation research will be considered. The first will cover the early years of graduate program; the second will facilitate completion of the dissertation. Language training will be for accelerated programs of language instruction. The American Institute of Indian Studies (Delhi) can assist in locating a center for specific language training. Other creative ideas are also welcome.

The purpose of undergraduate summer funding is to facilitate research for a senior thesis or to provide internship experience with an academic or civil society organization. Students are invited to propose work with any organization or indicate their interest in one of the Center’s partners by contacting our Program Manger. Students who are unsure of where they would like to intern or are interested in one of the initiative's partners are encouraged to discuss their interests with a faculty member as early as possible. Students who already have made contact with an organization are required to attach a letter of interest from the organization. Details about the Center’s partners, such as Janaagraha (Bangalore) and Centre for Policy Research (Delhi), and PRADAN (various) can be found on our partners page.

• International Affairs Undergraduate Student Fund: Undergraduate students wishing to conduct research or other projects directly relating to their studies, including international travel, can apply to this fund which awards grants on a rolling basis.
• IR Program Michael Bhatia Fund for Peace-Keeping and Conflict Studies: Students concentrating in International Relations can apply to this fund for work that will deepen their understanding of a region or culture by traveling and studying there, with the ultimate goal of helping to promote cross-cultural understanding that might end or avert violence or military conflict.

The Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown has several opportunities for undergraduates to pursue research. 

• Social Innovation Fellowship: Overseen by the Center's Social Innovation Initiative, the SI Fellowship is the overarching program for both the C.V. Starr and the Leslie Altman Social Entrepreneurship Fellowships, as well as for opportunities for RISD students and Taubman Center Masters in Public Affairs students. Students receive year-long skills-training and support as well as financing (up to $4000) to grow a social venture over the summer. Housed at Brown, students' work can go towards developing programs related to India. 
• Royce Fellowship: Each year, up to twenty students are awarded Royce Fellowships to conduct research, curricular development, or public service project of their own design. Projects may include international travel. 

• Watson Senior Thesis Travel Grants: Rising seniors concentrating in Development Studies or International Relations may apply for funding (up to $2000) to cover the costs of travelling to conduct research for an approved senior thesis. 
• The Marla Ruzicka International Public Service Fellowship: This fellowship provides $4000 to support the summer plans of a Brown University student who embodies the characteristics of compassion, determination, and selflessness in the pursuit of international human rights, post-conflict rehabilitation, or international public service. 

The American India Foundation (AIF) William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service in India is a ten month long fellowship that pairs young professionals with leading NGos and social enterprises in India. 

In 1993, AIBS became a member of the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) and since then has received funds from CAORC to continue these programs. Founded in 1981, CAORC is a private not-for-profit federation of 22 independent overseas research centers that promote advanced research, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, with focus on the conservation and recording of cultural heritage and the understanding and interpretation of modern societies. CAORC fosters research projects across national boundaries, encourages collaborative research and programmatic and administrative coherence among member centers, and works to expand their resource base and service capacity. AIBS launched the Dhaka Center in 2010, which facilitates AIBS Fellows, hosts a montly lecture series, and hosts a JSTOR access computer for scholarly research.

American Institute of Indian Studies has opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty to conduct language study, research, and educational courses in India. Language courses are offered in the summer, for a semester, or for one academic year. There are research fellowship opportunities in all fields, ranging from anthropoogy to urban planning, ethnomusicology to political science. Fellowship opportunities are located around India.

The American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS), established in 1973, is a bi-national research and education organization with a mission to promote academic study of Pakistan in the US and to encourage scholarly exchange between the US and Pakistan.

Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) has several opportunities to study in India. CSDS has two year doctoral fellowships, writing fellowships for activists, study abroad visits for university professors, and an internship program. CSDS is located in Delhi, India. 

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has an opportunity for an International Affairs Fellowship in India for individuals to conduct independent foreign policy analysis in India. 

The U.S. Department of State has opportunities for individuals to conduct research or English teaching in India under the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship. 

Inclusive Media for Change (im4change) provides a fellowship opportunity for journalists working in English and Hindi to produce a series of stories, radio, or television programs engaging with rural communities in India.

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has opportunities for prominent social scientists, young scholars, and doctoral studients to conduct social science research related to India.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) has opportunities for fellows to conduct research int he humanities, social sciences, and natural and life sciences. IIAS is located in Shimla, India.

Indo-US Science and Technology Forum offers funding for activities and initiatives that engage the scientific and research communities in India and the US.

Jawaharlal Nehru University Institute of Advanced Study (JNIAS) has fellowship opportunities for scholars, activists, or professionals working in JNIAS fields of study, including: life sciences and human interaction, sustainable development, social movements, globalization studies, and more.

Social science Research Council (SSRC), housed in Brooklyn, NY, has information on social science fellowships and grants for social scientists conducting innovative research on public issues. 

The Taraknath Das Foundation offers grants averaging $3000 to $7000 to graduate students holding Indian passports and enrolled in American universities in any field of study. Applicants should have completed one year of graduate work in the United States.To apply, please go to the following website and apply on line.

The U.S. Department of State's Franklin Fellowship provides an opportunity for academic experts and private sector individuals to spend at least one year applying their knowledge to foreign policy at the U.S. Department of State.